Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions related questions and content

Which of these digestive processes occurs in the mouth?

  • A. chemical digestion of proteins
  • B. mechanical digestion of food
  • C. chemical digestion of starch
  • D. all of the above
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: chemical digestion of starch. In the mouth, salivary glands secrete enzymes like amylase to break down starch into simpler sugars. This process initiates the digestion of carbohydrates. Mechanical digestion (Choice B) occurs in the mouth through chewing and mixing food with saliva, but it does not involve chemical breakdown. Chemical digestion of proteins (Choice A) primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine with the help of enzymes like pepsin and trypsin. Choice D is incorrect because not all the processes listed occur in the mouth.